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"Decision" - Shulamis Yelin

Shulamis Yelin

I will say Yes to Lifeand meet him in the market-place,openly-between the stalls where all can see us consorting,tasting avidlyfrom all the basketsand the many sacks of condiments and bread-stuffsand rich late summer's fare.

I will say Yesand join with himthe dancers in the public squareand tap out rhythmsgay and joyously articulateof Now.

With such a partnerand in such a place,mid so much fullness,my gnawed-off heels will know new balanceand support,my hips willlightly bear the burden of my heart,and shoulders entertain the swayand flow of fingersfrom my outstretched hand.

Let the tambourinesripple out their music.

Let the market women pointand loosely flap their red-tipped tongues!I have learned a rhymeto blink their evil eyeAnd if it works? What bounty!And if it fails?There still has been the journey to the Fair!

From Seeded At Sinai, New York, NY: The Reconstructionist Press, 1975.